StradaWinter 2008

Market Square Place

Located in Pittsburgh’s historic retail core, Market Square Place is an amalgam of seven high and low rise buildings that includes historic structures from various periods, most notably, the GC Murphy building. When completed, Market Square Place will include retail, residential, and office space.

In addition to the interesting challenge of a historic restoration, this project will encompass seven urban buildings of varying heights (three to seven stories), multiple architectural styles (late 19th century cast iron façade to 1930s deco infill), and construction types; it also addresses these issues in a sustainable manner.

Designed to achieve LEED Certification, the project incorporates a variety of green practices. Sustainable facets include the project’s urban location, reuse of the existing buildings' shells, salvage and reuse of historic features (stairs, doors, floor tiles, exterior signage, and railings), efficient new mechanical systems, low flow plumbing fixtures, sustainable materials, and construction waste management.

Adding to the challenge and complexity of the project is that the Market Square Place building will ultimately serve a blend of mixed-use tenants. The basement will have residential tenant parking as well as a pool for the YMCA. The first floor is designed for street-level retail with storefronts on both Fifth and Forbes Avenues. Administrative offices and program space for the YMCA will occupy the second floor while the upper floors will have 46 market rate, loft style rental units with a private residential courtyard.

Market Square Place is part of an ongoing revitalization of Fifth Avenue and Market Square. To see additional images, click here.

The November issue of American City and County published "Building Character"  by Michael Stern. The article featured Strada's urban design project, Hermitage Town Center, and was about creating a sense of place for an anonymous suburban town.  More

Ed Shriver will serve as a juror evaluating second year, CMU architecture students'  "Light Museums" concepts for the Velux Competition. Judging will be based on the best and most provocative exploration of the theme, "Light in Architecture."

Strada project, Windom Hill, designed by John Martine and built by Sota Construction, won Pittsburgh Magazine's 2008 Superior Interiors Award for Architectural Residence - New Construction. More

The principals at Strada are pleased to welcome Dina F. Snider, AIA, LEED 2.0 AP as a new principal of the firm. Dina has been with Strada since its inception in 2000. Additionally, Strada promoted Raymond F. McCaughey, AIA and Thomas Price, AIA to Associate. More